C of O president, employees attend roundtable with Trump

Renee Crooker, Jerry Davis and Bonnie Brazzeal went to St. Louis on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to attend a roundtable with President Trump. Crooker nd Brazzeal are C of O employees. Davis is the college's president.(Photo: College of the Ozarks)

College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis attended a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump in St. Louis today.

The invitation came after C of O gave a $204 bonus to employees in January as a result of savings from the recent U.S. tax code revision, the private Christian college near Branson said in a news release. Other Missouri leaders from businesses who gave back attended the roundtable discussion.

Trump spoke about the passing of the tax code revision and the economic benefits already taking place in America, the release said.

Davis explained his motivation to give the bonuses to College of the Ozarks employees.

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“When we realized we would see significant savings in our budget at Hard Work U. because of the tax code revision, we knew we wanted to honor our employees. We could not have known how impactful this would be for some of our own,” Davis said. “It was a special honor for two of our staff members to have a seat at President Trump’s roundtable discussion."

Renee Crooker, a faculty services supervisor at College of the Ozarks, used the check to help pay for a plane ticket out of the country to be with her daughter, Erika, when she contracted double viral pneumonia.

“When I read the email stating we would receive the bonus, I couldn’t believe that was happening. It came at the perfect time,” Crooker said. “College of the Ozarks is known for being generous towards its students. But I was in awe the decision was made to bless faculty and staff in this way. I don’t know who else would do that.”

Bonnie Brazzeal, a cafeteria worker, was overjoyed when she heard the news that her employer, College of the Ozarks, was awarding all employees with a $204 bonus.

“To me, that was a blessing from God,” Brazzeal said. “I put the money straight into a savings account for my retirement.”

Davis said Brazzeal represents Middle America – her hard work and discipline are something worth rewarding.

“Bonnie is typical of so many working-class families who are so often forgotten,” Davis said. “What some call crumbs, others call miracles.”

“It’s been truly inspirational to see all of you,” Trump said at the end of the roundtable discussion, the release said. “I want to thank everybody for the great statements.... It’s very simple. Make America great again. That’s what we’re going to do. And that’s what we’re doing. And it’s happening a lot faster than anybody thought possible.”

Trump greeted Davis, Crooker and Brazzeal as he was leaving the venue and followed up with Crooker about her daughter’s health.

“I can’t wait to tell my daughter that President Trump asked about her recovery,” Crooker said.